Recent launches and future of the X-Pro series

Truman Prevatt wrote:

Iuvenis wrote:

I think it's a given there will always be an X-Pro line. The hybrid OVF is unique and can command a price premium. Also, every X-Pro model they sell helps them amortise the cost of the hybrid OVF, which they need for the (extremely successful) X100 line.

However, with the X-T5 pitched as a photographer's camera, that does make positioning the X-Pro line a tricky business.

In my view, Fuji should move the X-Pro to a smaller size category, losing the X-E line in the process. For me, the X-Pro line has always been a tiny bit too large for its style, more like the doomed Leica M5 than the successful M6. While I loved the X-E2 I used to have, I wouldn't have minded something slightly larger if it gave me weather resistance and a more premium feel. A smaller X-Pro gives Fuji the chance to upsell to people who want a compact rangefinder option.

Funny you say that about the M5. Because of that screw up I got a sweet heart deal on an M4 as Leica offer students and faculty in major art colleges a M4 and 50 cron at a sweetheart price to make way for the M5. The M5 was a disaster - like you say the Leicaites did not like the growth in size. Leica was force to bring back the M4 until they could design the M6. I would love to see Fujifilm concentrate on bringing the XPro4 size down. The Pro is most likely going to be second in line in price (only behind the XH2S ) simply because of the OVF. Yes the XPro is the equivalent to the sports roadster in the car industry. It should look and perform like it.

A smaller X-Pro can't have a larger battery, but the X-T5 example suggests that ibis may still be an option. The X100vi really needs ibis in my opinion, so they need to find a way to fit it into smaller bodies. Add the X100v style screen, and they could have a decent seller on their hands, that uses a lot of the X100 line's parts and simplifies their line-up.

Yep fitting the larger XT5 battery would be an issue. I sure don't want a grotesque large grip on the Pro4 to support it. Shirk it, shrink it, shrink it. Fuji showed it can bet done - so do it. The small display - it's nice to see the battery left at a glance but other than that it is more cosmetic than anything and it is a bit kludgy. IBIS - if it can be engineered to fit include it. By shrink the XT5 (and actually the XH2 compared to the XH1) - that might be possible. If the Pro is the street machine which is a proper niche for it - the last thing it needs is a non robust screen. Any screen that can't be turned toward the body and protected is not robust. The X100V screen - well let's say I'd probably toast that within three months. No thank you. My choice of screens would be:

a) None replaced by a new top quality app to replace the screen

b) FAS

c) fixed make of high quality glass.

I agree with your points except for needing a screen towards the body to protect it.  Phone screens made of Gorilla Glass stand up really well to abuse.  I do want the ability to turn off the rear screen, but closing it into the body is a non-starter for me.  It's why I still shoot my X-Pro2.